Strategies for Reducing Solid Waste-Related Methane Emissions Including Promoting the Concept that Climate Funds be Used to Fund it
Methane from solid waste in landfills is a key greenhouse gas affecting our climate. By studying emissions from landfills and other large waste-related emitters, we can find ways to reduce their impact.
Make no mistake the emissions are huge and tackling them urgently is the easiest way that there is to reduce climate change in the short-term if global action takes place now!
We decided to write this article when the subject became a hot topic at COP29 when the World Biogas Association (WBA) hosted a side event on the subject. So, to bring you up to date on this subject read the WBA press release below, before continuing:
WBA PRESS RELEASE – 4 November 2024:
COP29 side event explores methane mitigation from solid waste and highlights the need for climate funds to fund it
Baku, 14 November 2024 – Yesterday, the World Biogas Association (WBA) and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) hosted an official side event at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, which aligned with COP29’s key agenda item on “Methane Reduction from Organic Waste”.
The session aimed to contribute to the anticipated COP29 Declaration, which will aim to accelerate waste sector commitments aligned with the 1.5°C target, including quantifiable methane reduction targets in national climate policies.
Entitled “Unlocking the potential for financing methane mitigation from solid waste for the NDCs and beyond”, the event was chaired by Dr Pradeep Monga, Senior Advisor and Policy Director, WBA.
Martina Otto, Head of the Secretariat for the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, opened the event with a keynote on the importance and urgency of the Global Methane Pledge.
She was followed by WBA’s Chief Executive Charlotte Morton OBE then discussed the financing gap for methane action on solid waste and the potential solutions to tackle it.
She presented WBA and ISWA’s G20 Policy Paper Unlocking the Potential for Scaling up Financing of Methane Mitigation from Solid Waste. Other speakers were Anja Schwetje, Scientific Officer, German Environment Agency / ISWA; Alfredo Miranda, Deputy Director for International Methane, Clean Air Task Force/ LOW Methane Partnership, and Janek Vähk, Zero Pollution Manager, Zero Waste Europe
“In this, our first COP29 official side event, the World Biogas Association presented the recently published G20 paper co-authored by ISWA and the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), in which we made recommendations on the valorisation of methane abatement and on targeting climate finance to fund waste collection and treatment that prioritise high in waste hierarchy activities.”
Charlotte Morton OBE said.
“Currently, only 2% of climate finance goes to methane emissions mitigation (Reuters 2023). Of that, a tiny proportion goes to waste management, and of that, an even tinier proportion goes to organics recycling. US$3.9bn goes to incineration vs a mere US$22m on organic recycling, including biogas, despite organics representing over 50% of municipal solid waste in most countries.
Critically, 2.7bn people today lack any formal waste collection (UNEP 2024). Yet recycling the 105bn tonnes of organic wastes humans generate every year (food waste, sewage, manure, slurries, other agri-wastes, commercial/industrial wastes) through anaerobic digestion would deliver 50% of the Global Methane Pledge, reducing global temperature rise by a critical 0.1 degree Celsius. And generating sufficient biogas to displace one third of today’s fossil gas consumption. This is an opportunity that should no longer be missed.”
-WBA PRESS RELEASE ENDS-
Scope and Impact of Methane from Solid Waste Globally
The waste sector contributes nearly 20% of all human-related methane emissions. Landfills for municipal solid waste release significant amounts of landfill gas, mainly methane. In 2020, these emissions had a warming impact equivalent to 4.4 billion metric tons of CO₂ over two decades.
This highlights the importance of effective waste management in methane mitigation efforts. 2
Methane is responsible for about 30% of the current rise in global temperatures since the pre-industrial era. According to the IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report, only 13% of methane emissions are addressed by existing policies. 1 Global agreements and national policies often lack coverage and stringency, creating major gaps. Reducing methane from waste is crucial to meet climate goals and limit global warming to 1.5°C by mid-century.
Principal Sources in Waste Management Systems
Landfills are major sources of methane, accounting for 18% of global emissions. 3 Organic waste like food scraps and yard waste break down without oxygen, releasing methane. Sewage treatment plants also generate methane from sewage sludge.
In regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, poorly managed dumpsites increase methane emissions significantly. Human activities produce over half of all methane emissions.
Effective methane capture from landfill methane and many water treatment plants is essential for methane mitigation across Europe and other areas.
“Tackling methane sources is key to fighting climate change.”
Legislations Governing Methane Reduction
Governments around the world have created laws to cut methane from waste. Countries like the US and those in the EU set clear rules to manage and reduce these emissions.
Global Agreements and National Policies
Global agreements drive methane mitigation efforts worldwide. The Global Methane Pledge commits countries to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels.
The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) supports this initiative, promoting sustainable waste management and biogas solutions. The EU Methane Strategy mandates the energy sector to measure and report methane emissions, ensuring transparency and accountability.
In the United States, national policies focus on limiting methane from oil and gas operations. Developing nations participate through the Global Methane Initiative (GMI), which encourages the adoption of anaerobic digestion and other technologies.
These policies align with the Paris Agreement’s goals to limit climate warming and enhance climate change mitigation. 4
Examples from the US, EU, and Developing Nations
Methane mitigation efforts vary across regions. Each area adopts unique strategies to reduce emissions from solid waste.
- European Union (EU) Initiatives
- Achieved a 36% reduction in methane emissions over 30 years. 5
- In 2022, reported 379 Mt of CH₄ in CO₂ equivalents, making up 12% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
- Solid waste disposal is the main source, contributing 80% of methane emissions in the waste sector.
- The EU Landfill Directive mandates landfill gas recovery systems and aims to reduce untreated biodegradable waste in landfills.
- United States Policies
- Implements strict regulations to limit methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. 6
- Promotes recycling and composting to manage municipal solid waste effectively.
- Encourages the use of biodigesters to convert food waste into clean energy, reducing methane from landfills.
- Developing Nations Strategies
- Focus on improving waste management systems to prevent methane emissions.
- Adopt bioconversion methods and introduce black soldier fly technology for waste treatment.
- Participate in the Global Methane Pledge to work towards a 30% reduction in methane emissions by 2030.
- Receive financial incentives from organisations like the Inter-American Development Bank to enhance waste prevention and recycling efforts.
Advances in Methane Emissions Reduction Technologies
Satellites now monitor methane emissions from waste sites. Black soldier fly technology converts waste into useful products and lowers gas releases.
Satellite Techniques and Detection Innovations
MethaneSAT launched a new satellite in 2024 to monitor methane emissions worldwide. 7 This year also saw two advanced methane-detecting satellites sent into space, with almost ten more planned by 2026.
GHGSat will add nine satellites by 2026 to enhance methane tracking. 8 The Carbon Mapper Coalition’s first satellite found over 300 methane leaks in different sectors. The Global Methane Hub started a £10 million project to improve methane data transparency through satellite partnerships.
By 2025, the International Methane Emissions Observatory will upgrade its Methane Alert and Response System to better monitor landfill emissions.
Bioconversion Methods and Black Soldier Fly Technology
Black Soldier Fly larvae transform municipal solid waste into animal feed, human food, and biofuels. 9 They achieve 20% carbon and 22% energy bioconversion efficiencies. During rearing, emissions are 16.8 g CO₂e per kilogram of dry biomass.
Carbon loss is 24%, and nitrogen loss is just 1%. This technology helps mitigate methane from sewage treatment plants and supports a circular economy. BSF technology and biocovers effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions from urban waste.
Black Soldier Fly technology transforms waste into valuable resources, significantly cutting methane emissions. 9
Community and Economic Advantages of Lowering Methane Emissions
Reducing methane emissions from solid waste boosts local air quality and fosters healthier communities. Economically, it creates sustainable jobs and strengthens waste management systems, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
Improvements in Waste Management Systems
Improvements in waste management systems can significantly reduce methane (CH₄) emissions. Implementing early landfill gas recovery is a rapid and cost-effective measure. 10 Best Management Practices in Landfills Achieve Substantial Greenhouse Gas Reductions.
By 2030, the Global Methane Pledge aims for a 30% drop in methane through these systems. Waste diversion strategies also recover biogas and nutrients from organic waste, limiting global warming.
Enhanced solid waste management brings health and economic benefits. 2 Effective recycling and reusing cut down waste generation. Technologies like black soldier fly manage household waste and food loss.
Communities receive financial incentives and create green jobs. With rising urbanisation and waste, these improvements are essential for methane crisis management and protecting the environment.
Financial Incentives for Communities
Financial incentives support communities in reducing methane from solid waste. Annual global savings reach US$470 billion by cutting methane emissions. 11 Society benefits by approximately US$4,300 for each tonne reduced. 11 Most methane abatements cost below US$600 per tonne, making them cost-effective. For solid waste, the average cost is US$2,900 per tonne. The Global Methane Pledge helps manage these financial incentives, encouraging more communities to protect the environment and enhance waste management systems.
Future Strategies for Methane Emissions Control
Future methods to cut methane emissions use the circular economy, reusing and recycling waste. Teams across countries and shared technology will help lower methane from solid waste.
Applying the Principles of the Circular Economy
Circular economy strategies can reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. 12 Focus on the waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, recycle. Zero-waste plans ensure all products are recycled, preventing landfill disposal. 12
The production of biogas using the anaerobic digestion process is an important part of the jigsaw of measures that need to be more fully developed, and if they are, will greatly assist in very many ways in getting the circular economy going.
Black Soldier Fly larvae transform waste biomass into animal feed and biofuels. Reusing materials lowers methane (CH4) emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW). 13 These practices reduce natural resource use and pollution, supporting decarbonisation and a healthy environment.
Promoting International Collaboration and Technology Sharing
GMI unites experts from oil and gas, biogas, and coal mines to share effective methods for reducing methane. 14 The 2024 Global Methane Forum will highlight international projects and encourage teamwork.
GMI provides tools like the Biogas Toolkit, helping countries implement methane-to-energy solutions. This support boosts decarbonisation efforts and promotes carbon-neutral technologies worldwide.
Sharing technology speeds up methane mitigation. Projects turn trash into natural gas, cutting climate-warming emissions. In the US, EU, and developing nations, policies support these innovations. 15 GMI’s resources improve waste management, reduce pollutants, and enhance economic benefits for communities. Collaboration through GMI ensures best practices are adopted globally, tackling methane challenges together.
Analysing Methane Emissions from Solid Waste
Mitigating Today's Huge Emissions of Methane from Solid Daste – A Conclusion
Lowering methane from solid waste is crucial for our planet. Strategies like organics diversion and landfill gas capture can cut emissions significantly. Technologies such as bioconversion and black soldier fly methods help turn waste into valuable resources.
Governments must implement strong policies to support these actions. Together, we can achieve a sustainable future with lower methane levels but time is extremely short if there is to be success in meeting the COP29 target to hold the global temperature rise back to 1.5°C.
FAQs – Mitigating Today's Huge Emissions of Methane from Solid Daste
1. What are effective strategies for methane mitigation from solid waste?
Effective strategies include implementing a waste management hierarchy, promoting re-use and recycling, reducing food loss and waste, and using technologies to capture methane. These actions help achieve emissions reductions and support decarbonisation goals.
2. How does the food system affect methane emissions and food insecurity?
The food system contributes to methane emissions through food loss and waste. Reducing waste can lower carbon dioxide and methane levels, improving water pollution and decreasing food insecurity by ensuring more food reaches food banks.
3. What role do NDCs and COP26 play in methane mitigation?
NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) outline countries' plans for emissions reductions, including methane. COP26 and upcoming COP28 provide platforms for nations to discuss and enhance their methane mitigation strategies, supporting global decarbonisation efforts.
4. How does urbanisation impact methane emissions from solid waste?
Urbanisation increases solid waste, leading to more methane emissions if not managed properly. Effective waste management hierarchy and better agriculture practices can mitigate these anthropogenic emissions and reduce the overall CO2e footprint.
5. What is the significance of black carbon and SLCP in methane mitigation?
Black carbon and short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) contribute to atmospheric pollution and have shorter atmospheric lifetimes. Addressing these alongside methane can enhance overall mitigation efforts, improving air quality and supporting sustainable waste management.
References
- ^ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590332223001951
- ^ https://climateandhealthalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MethaneReport-Waste-FINAL.pdf
- ^ https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/Key-strategies-for-mitigating-methane-emissions-from-municipal-solid-waste?
- ^ https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2019RG000675
- ^ https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/methane-emissions-in-the-eu (2022-11-30)
- ^ https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Methane-Action-Plan-2023-Topper.pdf
- ^ https://www.state.gov/highlights-from-the-cop-29-global-methane-pledge-ministerial/
- ^ https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abn9683
- ^ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095965262032535X
- ^ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0734242X231200742 (2023-10-12)
- ^ https://www.ccacoalition.org/content/benefits-and-costs-mitigating-methane-emissions
- ^ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10311-022-01499-6
- ^ https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/84141.pdf
- ^ https://www.globalmethane.org/
- ^ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10987791/
Landfills and sewage treatment plants are major methane emitters. Addressing these sources is crucial for climate action